June 30, 2012, in Kiev, the UEFA Executive Committee decided to welcome the Super Cup in Tbilisi. Three years have passed quickly and Europe’s and World’s Grand “Barcelona” visited Georgia’s capital, in which legendary Lionel Messi plays. As for “Sevilla”, this team has won the Europa League 4 times during the last 10 years.
“Dinamo Arena” named after Boris Paichadze prepared for the Super Cup well. Every chair on the stadium was replaced and white-blue chairs were installed. The press box was also well organized. These days, no one mentioned Boris Paichadze’s monument in front of the stadium. He was named the best Georgian football player of the 20th century. Prior, only Paichadze’s bust was on the central arena of Georgia.
It is notable, that “Barcelona” and “Sevilla” specially brought announcers from Spain for their fans. This is a tradition of any tournament, when announcers charge fans before the match. Separately, UEFA sent the English announcer for announcing official roster. As for Georgians, they trusted this case to our colleague Giorgi Chanishvili.
“Barcelona” showed up first at the stadium, then it was turn of “Sevilla”.
Then, the big screen showed the video, which portrayed the history of the European Super Cup.
Then, Giorgi Chanishvili read UEFA’s special appeal, whose leit-motif was: “No to Racism”. The same text was read in Spanish and English.
The opening ceremony lasted for 7 minutes and proceeded under the motto: “Football unites us for peace”. 1000 child of 8 countries took part in it. Also, ensemble “Erisioni” and drummer children performed in front of the audience. The famous song of the “Beatles” “Imagine” was also performed.
The meeting turned out to be so wonderful everyone wished for. “Sevilla” revealed an enviable character, as it was losing 1:4 and managed to transfer the game in extra time.
The score was opened at the 3rd minute of the match by Banega (“Sevilla”). “Barca” responded soon and Messi equalized the score. Messi scored th 23th goal against “Sevilla” during his career.
Messi had not stopped and scored again. A few minutes later, Messi and Unai Emery had a quarrel.
Before the break, during the counter attack of “Barca” Suarez faced Beto, but could not overcome, however maintained the ball and made a perfect assist to Rafinha.
At the beginning of the second half, Suarez had another chance to score, but the ball hit Krychowiak. However Uruguayan used the assist of Busquest and scored a goal.
“Sevilla” responded the Catalonians by the goal of Reyes.
In the middle of the second half, Iniesta was substituted and Messi took over the captain’s armband.
“Sevilla” reduced the account to minimum, when after the assist from the left wing Methieu made Vitolo fall down and Gameiro used a penalty appointed by the referee.
Immobile gave an exact assist to Konoplyanka, who waved the opponent’s net for the fourth time.
In the second half of the extra time, Pedro fixed the final score – 5:4.
At the final minute, after Immobile’s assist from the right, Rami missed a chance to transfer the match in penalty shootout.
Messi was named the best player of the match. UEFA President Michel Platini awarded “Barcelona”. The Catalonians received 4 million Euros for this victory and “Sevilla” – 3 million.
In the history of Super Cup, Spanish teams faced each other for the third time.
“Barcelona” won the Super Cup 4 times in 1992, 1997, 2009 and 2011 and “Sevilla” only once in 2006 against Catalonians (3:0). It is notable that “Barcelona” played for Super Cup for the 9th time, which is a record, won for the fifth time and repeated an achievement of “Milan”.
Dani Alves, Brazilian defender of “Barcelona” won the Super Cup for the 4th time in his career – once for “Sevilla”, 3 times for Catalonians.
Barcelona – Sevilla 5:4 (3:1) VIDEO
August 11. Tbilisi. “Dinamo Arena” named after Boris Paichadze. 51940 spectators.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Pique, Dani Alves, Mascherano (Pedro, 93), Mathieu, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta (cap.) (Sergi Roberto, 63), Rafinha (Bartra, 78), Suarez, Messi.
Head coach: Luis Enrique.
Sevilla: Beto, Tremoulinas, Rami, Coke, Krychowiak, Krohn-Dehli, Iborra (Mariano, 80), Reyes (cap.) (Konoplyanka, 68), Banega, Vitolo, Gameiro (Immobile, 80).
Head coach: Unai Emery.
Goals: 1:0 Banega (3), 1:1 Messi (7), 2:1 Messi (16), 3:1 Rafinha (44), 4:1 Suarez (52), 4:2 Reyes (57), 4:3 Gameiro (72), 4:4 Konoplyanka (81), 5:4 Pedro (115)
Yellow cards: Krychowiak (14), Mathieu (71), Coke (87), Banega (90+1), Immobile (92), Pedro (94), Busquets (117), Krohn-Dehli (120), Alves (120).
Main referee: William Cullum (Scotland).
